For 2013, we booked a 2BR on cash for Sat-Sun (Easter) and then points for Mon-Thu. At the 7 month mark, I had enough points to try and get Sunday on points, but by the time I called at noon, it was booked and I had to waitlist. It took about 2 more months, but it did eventually fill. I was holding my breath! I was so mad at myself for not setting my alarm and getting up at 8am because, as an HHI owner, I could see that the 2BR was available right up until I went to bed the night before.
I'm wondering what the 7-month window will bring for a studio this year (2015). We are tentatively planning to go to WDW for the first weekend of May, hoping that they have the EE challenge for one more year. If they don't, we'd like to use those points for a studio at HHI over spring break (April 5-10) instead. Unfortunately, I don't think they will announce it or open the registration before the 7 month window opens so we may be "stuck" going to WDW, even without a race.